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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Under-The-Radar Prospects the 49ers Should Target

By Rob Lowder

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Samford Bulldogs defensive back James Bradberry (21) catches a pass intended for Auburn Tigers wide receiver Sammie Coates (18) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Samford Bulldogs defensive back James Bradberry (21) catches a pass intended for Auburn Tigers wide receiver Sammie Coates (18) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

James Bradberry, CB, Samford

Draft Stock: Round 5 to 6

Thus far, Baalke has had good luck with prospects from Samford. 2015 2nd-round safety JaQuiski Tartt seems to have carved out an impact role on the 49ers defense despite his small-school upbringing.

Granted, that’s a string of good luck only spanning one year and one selection, but perhaps the 49ers should still target Tartt’s former teammate, cornerback James Bradberry.

Bradberry, at 6’1″ and 210 pounds, possesses outstanding size at the position. Couple that size with 4.4 second speed, and you have a prospect that may be worth more attention than his day-three grade would suggest.

Bradberry excels when he is allowed to use his size, strength and length to play press coverage, bullying wide receivers off the line and disrupting the timing of an offense.

While he does struggle to recover once a receiver has worked past his reach, with NFL-level coaching, Bradberry could develop into another one of Baalke’s promising late-round cornerbacks.

Next: Jeff Driskel